Telsmith supports Port Washington High School with donation

Mequon, WI – Telsmith, Inc., donated funds to Port Washington High School that will assist with purchasing new manufacturing equipment for the technical education department.

The donation will be placed towards a match for the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Fast Forward Grant on Advanced Manufacturing Equipment. With Telsmith’s match, the school is now closer to reaching their goal.Port Washington High School will purchase new manual lathes to replace the old 1950s models, as well as two new HAAS CNC milling machines to add to their advanced machining classes. In addition, they will also purchase a CNC router table which will be utilized throughout many classes.

“With this new equipment, we are working towards training students to industry standards and even certifying them through industry-led organizations,” says Taylor Last, Port Washington High School Technology Education and FIRST Robotics Team Coach.

“Taylor and the Tech-Ed Department at Port Washington High School are doing great things for the community and for manufacturing in our area,” says Brian Taylor, Director of Manufacturing, Telsmith, Inc. “We see the importance of partnering with our local schools to support our youth in hopes of developing a more skilled labor force.”

50 students from Port Washington’s technical classes attended the donation ceremony at Telsmith’s facility in Mequon, WI. Telsmith presented the donation to the class then gave a presentation on manufacturing, careers in manufacturing, an overview of Telsmith and the company’s history followed by a shop tour. The day ended with a Q&A session where students had the opportunity to ask Telsmith welders and erectors/assemblers, as well as machinist, Brian Taylor of Telsmith, Inc. and Matt Haven, President of Telsmith, Inc. questions about manufacturing.

“The favorite part of the day for the students was seeing manufacturing on a large scale.” says Last. “They have access to equipment at school but being able to see large versions of what we use, producing massive equipment is always a highlight.”

“The best part of my day is having our companies discuss career opportunities with our students,” continues Last. “We inform them of the same things at school, but hearing about salaries, schooling, and the different work they can do directly from the company always has a large impact on the students.”

“We cannot thank Telsmith enough for always welcoming us to tour through the facilities, as well as having welders work with our kids in the booths, and helping us financially as we work towards putting new equipment into the hands of our students,” says Last.